TW201515693A - Creating and using controlled fine bubbles - Google Patents

Abstract

A fine bubble generator system comprises a fluid input; a fluid output; at least one gas input; and a plurality of fine bubble generators; wherein the plurality of fine bubble generators are disposed between the fluid input and the fluid output. Applications for fine bubbles including cleaning, showerheads, drug delivery and boat lubrication are disclosed.

Description

Techniques for generating and using controlled dense bubbles

The invention relates to a micron nano bubble generating system, a method for generating dense bubbles, a cleaning device, a shower head, a method for cleaning semiconductors, and a method for guiding uniform bubbles to a target destination, A calibration device for guiding uniform bubbles, a method for improving the efficiency of a ship, and a ship.

background

In the present specification, the term "tight bubble" means a nanobubble, a microbubble, and a mixture of micron and nanobubbles, all of which are bubbles of a gas which may occur in a liquid volume. More specifically, the dense bubble system includes bubbles ranging from 1 nm to about 999 μm, but is often considered to have a diameter of up to about 50 μm. "Super-dense" bubbles are bubbles of less than about 3 [mu]m. The nanobubbles are bubbles having a diameter of less than 1 μm but greater than 1 nm. The microbubbles are bubbles having a diameter between 1 and 999 μm, but are generally considered to have a diameter of from about 1 μm to about 50 μm. The micron nanobubbles (MNB) are like dense bubbles which are bubbles having a diameter of between 1 nm and 999 μm.

The invention is not limited to the generation and control of dense bubbles having a specific size, and can also be used to generate and control even smaller than nanobubbles. Bubbles, which may include flying rice bubbles or meso bubbles.

In the following discussion, these different terms may be used interchangeably, particularly MNBs and dense bubbles.

When the uniform bubble collapses in a ring chamber liquid, the inertial force together with the mass conservation system results in a supersonic bubble wall velocity which causes rapid heating inside the bubble. The collapse of a single bubble is so intense that light is emitted as single bubble sonoluminescence (SBSL). The temperature measured using the emission spectrum indicates that the temperature in a cavitation bubble cloud is about 25,000 Kelvin (see, for example, MP Brenner et al., Single Bubble Sonoluminescence, Review of Modern Physics) , 74, 425 (2002), and S. Hilgenfeldt et al., a brief description of light emission in sonoluminescence, Nature, 398, 402 (1999).

If there are thousands of dense bubbles in the liquid, the energy generated when these bubbles collapse is so large that it is worthy of recovery and is put into good application (for example, see FYUshikubo et al., the stability of nano-bubble in water) Evidence and evidence of existence, colloid and surface A: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochem. Eng. Aspects 361, 31 (2010)). The release energy from the collapsed micron nanobubbles can transform adjacent water to form a root with strong oxidizing power. Dense bubbles containing air or oxygen can be chemical-free and environmentally friendly cleaning and disinfecting media. The buoyancy of the micron nanobubbles decreases as the bubble size decreases. Smaller bubbles therefore have a longer life in the liquid. The charge density increases as the bubble size decreases, and these negative charges prevent the nanobubbles from forming a cluster.

The micron nanometer bubble diameter D is calculated as follows: Where σ is the surface tension, ε is the permittivity of the medium, δ ₁ is the radius of one molecule of the surrounding liquid (approaching a sphere), e is the basic unit of charge, and kδ ₁ is the following adsorbed ion of k value Allowable distance between (ie between the centers of adjacent Wigner-Seitz cells): k = 2 , 4, 6, 4 , 8, 10, 6 ,12,8 , 14, 16, 10 ,18,20,...

Due to the fact that micron-nano bubbles are in continuous Brownian motion, their particle size distribution (PSD) can be measured using dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. The later nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) has also become a common method for measuring micron nanobubble PSD and its concentration.

Over time, the diameter of a micron bubble or a nanobubble will shrink due to surface tension, which is used to minimize the area of its surface. This occurs by the gas contained in the bubbles diffusing into the surrounding liquid.

Bubble nature

One micron nanobubble solution is one in which microbubbles and nanobubbles coexist (the micron nanobubble term will also be used where the discussion relates to microbubbles and nanobubbles).

Micron nanobubbles have five main useful properties. Its system is:

● A negative electrical surface charge density

●Longevity - its system is physically stable and lasts for a long time

● Very low (almost neutral) buoyancy

●multipotency - it can constitute any gas

●Sound luminescence at the time of collapse

Negative charge

It is now believed that the nature of the negative surface charge density is due to ions derived from inorganic salts dissolved in the surrounding medium, which adsorb to the gas-liquid interface and stabilize against the collapse effect of surface tension. If the bubble is placed in a uniform electric field, it can be directly shown that its charge density ρ is related to its diameter D _b : D _b α ρ ^-1/3 , and thus is larger at a smaller diameter. This is clearly shown in the figure below, where smaller bubbles experience a large translational shift in the x direction.

The ability to manipulate bubbles in this manner is advantageous, for example, in the application of nanobubbles to drug delivery systems where IV drugs associated with nanobubbles can be directed to their target location.

Longevity and low buoyancy

This long-lived property is derived from the fact that the surface of the micron-nano bubble is negatively charged and thus stabilized against the collapse effect of surface tension. Its low buoyancy means that it does not quickly float to the surface of the surrounding media. In fact, the rate at which the micron nanobubbles rise through the solution is already proportional to the square of their radius, so that a 100 nm bubble is expected to rise by 1 cm for at least two weeks, while a 10 bubble will only take 2 to 3 minutes to rise. The same far. This means that it can be stored in solution for a long period of time without deterioration. In 2010, the Department of Research at Osaka University resulted in the production of high concentrations of nanobubbles for two weeks. Since it does not rise quickly to the surface and escapes to the atmosphere but stays in solution for a long period of time by continuously diffusing oxygen to the surrounding water, it makes it possible to oxidize water more efficiently than the conventional method. Figure 1 shows how these two methods are compared.

Pluripotency

A wider range of applications are possible by changing the gas selection that is not limited to air/oxygen. For example, ozone is made very effective in disinfection applications due to its strong oxidation effect (further enhanced by the ability of micron nanobubbles to penetrate a small space and its sonoluminescence), carbon dioxide micron nanobubbles can be Increasing plant growth rate can be effectively used to extinguish fires, and Henna bubbles are expected to have an anti-tumor effect. In order to clean wafers such as Si and GaAs, inert gases such as nitrogen, hydrogen, argon, helium, etc. can be used to prevent oxidation of the wafer material.

Sonoluminescence

Although the micron nanobubbles are stable, they can collapse in the event of a collision. When this is the case, it exhibits a remarkable phenomenon called sonoluminescence - light radiation and shock wave emission. The radiation spectrum is strongly dependent on the type of gas contained within the bubble, but in most instances, the inferred temperature at the center of the bubble at the point of collapse is a sequence of 10 ⁴ K. Combining this high temperature with a powerful shock wave and the potential oxidizing properties of the contained gas makes micron nanobubbles a very effective method for cleaning/disinfecting applications.

The prior art may be mentioned: CN-A-201010558037, EP-B1-2139968, US-A1-20120270177, EP-A1-2421983, US-A1-20110241230, US-B2-8201811, US-A1-20070095937, US- A1-20070286795, US-B2-7874546, US-A1-20070108640, US-A1-20120086137, US-A1-20120128749, US-B2-7997563, US-A1-20060054205, US-A1-20080189847, US-A1- 20110168210, US-A1-20090001017, EP-A1-2116589, US-A1-2013/0034829, And US-A1-2007/0095937.

1. NFBunkin, SOYurchenko, NVSuyazov and AVShkirin, the structure of dissolved oxygen nanobubble bubbles in liquid media, J.Biol.Phys .38 (2012) 121-152.

2. NFBunkin, BWNinham, PSIgnatiev, VAKozlov, AVShkirin and AVStarosvetskij, liquid The structure of dissolved oxygen nanobubble bubbles in the medium, J. Biophotonics 4 (2011) 150-164.

3. E. Ruckenstein, the dispersion of bubbles and oil droplets in water, colloidal surface A: Physicochem. Eng. Aspects, 423 (2013) 112-114

4. K.Ohgaki, NQKhanh, Y.Joden, A.Tsuji and T.Nakagawa, Physicochemical Pathways of Nano Bubble Solutions, Chemical Science ( Chem.Eng.Sci.) 65 (2010) 1296-1300

5. R.Asada, K.Kageyama, H.Tanaka, H.Matsui, M.Kimura, Y.Saitoh and N.Miwa Enhances the antitumor effect of nanobubbles hydrogen-dissolved water by coexisting platinum colloids and combined hyperthermia and apoptotic cell death, Oncology Reports 24: 14631470, (2010)

6. M.P. Brenner, S. Hilgenfeldt and D. Lohse, Single Bubble Acoustic Modern Physics Review 74 (2002).

Other public documents relating to nanobubbles include:

1. http://www.gizmag.com/nanobubbles-cancer-rice-university/25879/

2. http://discovermagazine.com/2013/jan-feb/28-injectable-nano-bubbles-prevent-suffocaton#.UXhPOIKhUxo

3. http://www.azonano.com/article.aspx? ArticleID=3151

4. http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/2013/02/nanobubbles- Stability-solved-supersaturation

5. http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/water/electrolysis.html#intro

6. http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/water/electrolysis.html#intro

Known nanobubble generators have been produced and disclosed by:

Asupu

2. COA Technology Co., Ltd. http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/nano-bubbles-generator.html

3. http://www.hondakiko.jp/english/microbubble/

The invention has different objectives, including:

i) Providing a system that produces micron nanobubbles having greater density and throughput than prior art systems. The present invention is also capable of generating microbubbles or nanobubbles having a very narrow bubble size distribution. This goal is achieved by a micron nanogen generator system comprising a plurality of micron nano generators. It is connected in tandem, side by side, or in tandem with a group of parallels.

Ii) The sequence of dense bubble generators can be configured in a compatible manner to provide maximum benefit to each generator. The dense bubble generation system preferably includes at least three of the generators. A pulsating mechanism can also be implemented to generate dense bubbles in a time series that are separated from one another.

Iii) Use dense bubbles in a variety of different applications.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a uniform bubble generation system comprising: a fluid input; a fluid output; and a plurality of dense bubble generators; wherein the plurality of dense bubble generators are disposed in the fluid input and the fluid output between.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of producing a dense bubble in a fluid, comprising the steps of: providing a fluid input; providing at least one gas input; providing a fluid output; providing a plurality of dense bubble generators to the fluid Between the input and the fluid output; and passing the fluid through a plurality of dense bubble generators.

These morphologies provide the ability to generate controlled distribution of dense bubbles with microbubbles and nanobubbles.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning apparatus comprising: a cleaning faucet for dispensing water, and a uniform bubble generator for generating dense bubbles in a water stream, the water stream being fed to the use in use Clean the faucet.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shower head comprising a uniform bubble generator.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of cleaning a semiconductor comprising using a pulsating dense bubble multiple blade configuration for dispensing dense bubble water in a pulsating manner.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of guiding a uniform dense bubble to a target destination within a liquid volume, comprising the following steps Step: Apply a positive potential to the target destination to electrostatically attract the dense bubbles toward the target destination.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a calibration apparatus for guiding a uniform bubble to a liquid volume, comprising: a positive electrode probe having a positive electrode; and applying a positive electrostatic charge to the positive electrode And a conveying member for conveying the uniform dense air bubbles to the liquid volume.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of directing a uniform bubble in a liquid volume to a target destination, comprising the steps of: applying a magnetic potential to a target destination to attract the dense bubble toward the object Target destination.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a method for improving the efficiency of a ship includes the steps of: providing a uniform bubble generating device, and arranging the device at a hull of a ship to make the device dense The bubble is injected into the water adjacent to the ship.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ship comprising a uniform bubble generating device, the dense bubble generating device being arranged to inject a dense bubble into the water adjacent to the vessel in use.

Other forms are provided in the scope of the patent application.

1,11,12,13,34,35,36,37,134‧‧‧ nano bubble generator

2,5,9,16,21,32,38,81‧‧‧ fluid input

3,10,17,22,33‧‧‧ fluid output

4‧‧‧Reward steps

7‧‧‧First nano bubble generator

8‧‧‧Second nano bubble generator

14‧‧‧Nam connection between nano bubble generators

15‧‧‧Connecting chamber

18,19,20‧‧‧ bubble generation module

23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31‧‧‧Nano bubble generation module

39‧‧‧ Fluid outlet

40‧‧‧ pump

42,43,44‧‧‧ marked location

61,62‧‧‧Nozzles

63,64‧‧‧ fluid inlet valve hole

73,74,75‧‧‧micron bubble generator system

76,77,78‧‧‧Nano bubble generator system

83‧‧‧Cylindrical vortex flow module

84‧‧‧Static Mixer Module

85‧‧‧Wenshi plus Coanda Valve Module

86‧‧‧Cavity chamber module

87‧‧‧Spherical vortex flow module

88‧‧‧Wenshi type nano bubble generator module

89‧‧‧ gas feed

91‧‧‧straight pole

92‧‧‧ Fluid outlet rod

93‧‧‧ Arm

94‧‧‧DC motor

95,139,144‧‧‧Power supply

96‧‧‧Air transport device moving impeller

97‧‧‧Water dynamic mixing pump head

98‧‧‧ catheter

99‧‧‧ pressurized air chamber

101‧‧‧Action Sensor/Spiral Scroll Assembly

102‧‧‧Subtle/dense bubble device chamber

103‧‧‧Water and air outlet blades

105,303,503,603,703‧‧‧ breathing tube

109‧‧‧ thread

110‧‧‧ Scroll type

111, 123‧‧‧ Wenshi type

112‧‧‧116

114‧‧‧Export

115‧‧‧Wenshi type first dense bubble generator

116‧‧‧Water access

117‧‧‧ shower head

118‧‧‧Outer casing

119‧‧‧Air inlet hole

120‧‧‧ Radially opposed hard tubes

121‧‧‧Coanda Valve

122‧‧‧Single vortex

124‧‧‧Compact bubble generator

125‧‧‧ hole

126‧‧‧Switch board

127‧‧‧ mandrel

131‧‧‧ Hard tube

132‧‧‧The inner surface of the hard tube

133‧‧‧Nano bubble conveyor

135‧‧‧DC power supply (dc) power supply

136‧‧‧electrode of positive electrode probe 140

137,147‧‧‧Insulation cover

138‧‧‧electrode of negative electrode probe 141

145‧‧‧negative electrode

140,142‧‧‧ positive electrode probe

141,143‧‧‧Negative electrode probe

146‧‧‧ positive electrode

148‧‧‧ probe unit

150‧‧‧Ship

151‧‧‧Compact bubble generating device

160‧‧‧ Venturi tube

161‧‧‧Vortex mixing head

162‧‧‧Static mixer

163‧‧‧Subsequent cavity overflow chamber

164‧‧‧ gas inlet

165‧‧‧ overflow hole

166‧‧‧Top outer edge

167‧‧‧bubble water flow direction/arrow

168‧‧‧Break hole

169‧‧‧External chamber

201‧‧‧Cylindrical internal chamber

300‧‧‧pressure dissolution zone

301‧‧‧ narrowest section

302,602,707‧‧‧Water repellent film

303‧‧‧ gas feeding system

304‧‧‧Coanda Flow Divider Assembly

309‧‧‧Ven's body

401‧‧‧Oval vortex chamber

501‧‧‧mixed pin

502‧‧‧Water-repellent porous spherical head

601‧‧‧ spiral ridge

702‧‧‧Coanda spherical scroll assembly

704‧‧‧ Coanda Blades

804‧‧‧Mixed partition

901‧‧‧ empty space

902‧‧‧ wall

a, b, c‧‧‧ valve

Z1‧‧‧ first time division

Z2‧‧‧Second time division

A detailed description

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows the effectiveness of oxygenation using nanobubbles; Figure 2 schematically shows a prior art nanobubble generating system; Figure 3 schematically shows a prior art Nano bubble generating system; Figures 4a-c schematically show a dense bubble generating system according to the present invention, wherein the dense bubble generator is connected in series; Figures 5a and 5b schematically show a dense bubble generating system according to the present invention, wherein the dense bubble generator is juxtaposed Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a uniform bubble generation system in accordance with the present invention in which a dense bubble generator is cooperatively coupled in tandem with a side-by-side group; Figures 7a and 7b schematically illustrate uniform bubble generation in accordance with the present invention. a system in which a dense bubble generator is cooperatively connected in tandem with a side-by-side group; Figures 8a to v schematically show different dense bubble generators that can be used in the present invention; and Figure 9 shows schematically a method for dense bubbles Different placement of the gas input to the generator system; Figures 10 and 11 schematically show a uniform bubble generation system to provide pulsating dense bubbles; Figure 12 shows a graph of the number of dense bubbles versus time, wherein the dense bubbles are generated differently In the time partition; Figures 13 and 14 schematically show a uniform bubble generation system having a combination of vertical upstream and horizontal flow. Figure 15 shows a pattern of typical dense bubble density and size distribution in the system of Figures 13 and 14; Figures 16a-c schematically show an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention for producing dense bubble water, wherein Only a low pressure water inlet can be obtained; Figures 17a to d schematically show a combined hand washer-dryer according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a shower head according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 19 is a schematic representation Figure 18a-c schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a showerhead in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 21 schematically shows a rigid tube in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 22 is a schematic illustration of one of the calibration devices in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 23 is a schematic illustration of one of the calibration devices in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 24 is a schematic representation of another embodiment in accordance with the present invention; One of the calibration devices of one embodiment; and FIG. 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a vessel having a fine bubble lubrication system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

i) dense bubble generation system

This aspect of the invention relates to a uniform bubble generation system and a method of producing dense bubbles. A system for producing dense bubbles in a fluid is described, in particular a dense bubble generator that is connected using a tandem, side-by-side, or a combination of tandem and side-by-side.

A composite dense bubble generator for high density dense bubbles

In the present case, the dense bubbles are formed in the fluid using a single bubble generating device or up to two bubble generating devices. Equipped with one of several types of micro-density bubble generators known in the art (see Table 1 below), such as a generator that generates bubbles (Ven's type) using the Venturi principle, a fluid-based one The vortex action generates a bubble (vortex type) generator, a generator that generates a bubble (cavity type) by a cavity principle, a generator that uses a pressure dissolution principle (pressurized dissolution type), and the like. Table 1 lists the main advantages and disadvantages of each type of dense bubble generator.

As shown in the table, any single uniform bubble generator type is limited in its ability to produce high concentrations (density) of dense bubbles, good uniform size distribution, and long life.

As an example of prior art nanobubble bubble generators, reference may be made to US 7,874,546, US 7,997,563, US 2013/0034829 A1, US 2007/0095937 A1 and EP 2116589, each of which discloses a nanobubble using a single or at least two nanobubble generators. Produce equipment.

To increase density, the output from a generator can be fed back into the input of the generator. The generator then has a quantity of Bubbles are generated in the liquid of the rice bubble, and thus the overall density of the nanobubbles is increased. This prior art program is shown schematically in Figure 2. The one-nanometer bubble generator 1 has a fluid input 2 and a fluid output 3. A feedback step 4 can be repeated a number of times.

However, each time the output is fed back to the input, the density of the nanobubbles increases or decreases, which may eventually result in a maximum density of nanobubbles in the output liquid that is still relatively low. In addition, the nanobubble flux achieved at the fluid output point using this technique (i.e., the number of nanobubbles passing through a fixed point per second) may be insufficient for many applications.

Regardless of the type of generator used, the maximum density of nanobubbles that the generator may generate will have limits. Often, there may be applications for fluids containing nanobubbles in which a larger density of nanobubbles having a highly uniform size distribution and high throughput is produced compared to this maximum of individual generators.

Figure 3 shows schematically another prior art procedure using two nanobubble generators. A first nanobubble bubble generator 7 has a fluid input 5. The first nanobubble bubble generator can be of a first type, such as a scroll type. The output of the first nanobubble bubble generator 7 is fed into the input of a second nanobubble bubble generator 8. These generators typically utilize a "bayonet" fitting to connect with a separate O-ring. The second nano bubble generator 8 may belong to a second type other than the first type, such as a Venturi type. US Patent No. 7,997,563 B2 discloses an apparatus for producing microbubbles comprising a vortex flow generating impeller nozzle and a vortex lysing Venturi tube. US Patent No. 2013/0034829 A1 discloses the use of a Venturi type tube and a A porous gas dispenser having a pore size of <1 μm is used to allow gas that has been in the form of bubbles to leave the liquid. The surface tension of the bubbles above the holes is high, however, often, the bubbles are not released until they have reached a size much larger than the size of the holes for which they are formed, which greatly reduces the effectiveness of the spreader. According to the Young-Laplace relationship ΔP = 2σ / r, where σ is the surface tension of the bubble, and r is the radius of the bubble, when a large bubble is formed, the air flow is due to the small equilibrium pressure It tends to fill large bubbles at the expense of all other smaller bubbles. US Patent No. 2007/0095937 discloses an apparatus that uses a Venturi tube similar to that described in US Patent No. 2013/0034829 A1 to combine the same pressure dissolution method to produce a combination of more micron bubbles.

These prior art methods have failed to produce a dense bubble of a combination having a high concentration (density), a good uniform size distribution, and a long life.

It can thus be seen that existing problems with existing systems for generating dense bubbles include:

a) For a single cycle bubble generation system, the concentration of dense bubble counts is typically low.

b) Any single method of generating dense bubbles also produces a very low volume liquid stream with a low bubble count.

c) It is not possible to produce high-density dense bubbles with a low pressure water inlet and a high gas inlet.

In one example, US-B 2-7874546 and EP-A1-2116589 have very complex systems and provide very little improvement in the concentration of dense bubbles, and the size distribution is still extensive. It is not suitable for use with a large number of gas inlets.

It is an object of the present invention to address some of the above-discussed shortcomings associated with prior art nanobubble bubble generators.

The present invention provides a system that uses a tandem dense bubble generator to increase the density of dense bubbles, uses a side-by-side dense bubble system to increase overall liquid flow, and integrates in-line and side-by-side systems to increase the concentration of dense bubbles and Total liquid flow both.

This composite system increases the density of dense bubbles from hundreds of centimeters per cent to 100,000 per cubic centimeter. The flow rate can be increased from less than one gallon per minute to tens of gallons.

This can be achieved by a dense bubble generator with several tandem connections but with a low pressure connection zone to ensure that the outlet from each generator can achieve its optimum benefit. A tandem connection would result in a much higher density of dense bubbles and a very uniform bubble size distribution.

Several dense bubble generators can be connected in parallel, and a parallel connection would result in a much higher water flow containing dense bubbles.

The combination of the above-described side-by-side and tandem configuration achieves both high water flow and dense bubbles of a relatively high concentration with uniform distribution.

It will have a long-term effect on the environment - water treatment, cleaning, semiconductor industry and the like.

A first embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in Figure 4a. In this embodiment, the dense bubble generating system, which is a nano bubble generating system, comprises a fluid input 9 (for example, a faucet) and a fluid output 10 having three nano bubble generators 11, 12, 13 disposed in the fluid. Input 8 is between the fluid output 10. Each nano bubble generator has a separate input and output.

In this embodiment, the three nanobubble generators 11, 12, 13 are connected in series. This means that the output of the first bubble generator 11 is connected to the input of the second nanobubble generator 12. Further, the output of the second bubble generator 12 is connected to the input of the third nano bubble generator 13. As can be seen from the embodiment of Figure 4a, it can be appreciated that the term "in-line" is analogous to a connected component of a circuit in a string. The generator utilizes an interference coordination connection, so unlike prior art, a separate O-ring is not required.

The connections 14, 15 between the nanobubble generators can include a chamber that can be maintained at a predetermined pressure, high or low, to allow the subsequent nanobubble bubble generator to operate at its maximum efficiency. For example, if the nano bubble generator 13 has a Venturi-type nanobubble generator, the previous connection chamber 15 will be maintained at a pressure of about 0.2 MPa to allow the Venturi-type nanobubble generator to have its maximum efficiency. Operation.

The three nano bubble generators 11, 12, 13 may each comprise a different type of nano bubble generator to form a composite nano bubble generating system, for example, the nano bubble generator 11 may be a vortex type nano bubble. The generator (e.g., such as described with reference to Figure 8c below), the nanobubble generator 12 can be a mixer type nanobubble bubble generator (e.g., such as described with reference to Figure 8j below), and the nanobubble bubble generator 13 It may be a Winn-type nanobubble generator (such as, for example, as described with reference to Figure 8m below), and this configuration is shown in Figure 4b. In an alternative configuration, more than one of the homogenous generators may be present. For example, the nanobubble generator 11 may include a scroll type nanobubble generator module and the nanobubble bubble generators 12 and 13 may include a mixture. A device type nano bubble generator module, and this configuration is shown in Figure 4c. Alternatively, all three nanobubbles are produced The devices 11, 12, 13 may comprise a homomorphic nano bubble generator module. The choice of nanobubble generator type will depend on the intended application and the conditions required to maximize nanobubble bubble generation efficiency.

The tandem connection of the nanobubble generators 11, 12, 13 allows the nanobubble density (i.e., the number of nanobubbles per centimeter of fluid) to be substantially increased compared to prior art systems. Experimentally, a composite system comprising a Venturi-type nanobubble generator, a mixer-type nanobubble generator, and a vortex-type nanobubble generator has been shown to produce about 100,000 nai per cubic centimeter of water. Nano bubble density of rice bubbles.

A second embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in Figures 5a and 5b. The illustrated nanobubble generating system includes a fluid input 16 and a fluid output 17, wherein three bubble generating modules 18, 19, 20 are disposed between the fluid input 16 and the fluid output 17. Each nano bubble generator has a separate input and output.

In this embodiment, the three bubble generating modules 18, 19, 20 are connected in parallel. This means that the fluid input 16 is split and fed into the inputs of each of the three nanobubble generators 18, 19, 20. In addition (as shown in Figure 5b), the outputs of each of the three nanobubble bubble generators 18, 19, 20 can be manipulated and directed from the generator 18 to the output 17 and from the generator 18 to the resulting output. The valve 19, the valve a, b, c leading from the generator 19 to the output 17 and from the generator 19 to the output line of the generator 20 is fed to the fluid output 17. As can be seen from the embodiment shown in Figures 5a and 5b, it can be appreciated that the "parallel" language is analogous to the connected components of a circuit in parallel.

As in the first embodiment, three nano bubble generators 18, 19, 20 may each comprise a different type of nano generator, for example, the nano generator 18 may be a venturi type nano bubble generator, and the nano bubble generator 19 may be a vortex type nano bubble generator, and The rice bubble generator 20 can be a cavity type nano bubble generator. This is known as a composite nano bubble generator system. Alternatively, all of the at least two, and possibly all, of the nanobubble generators 18, 19, 20 may comprise homo-nano bubble generators, for example all of the Venturi type.

The side-by-side connection of the nanobubble generator allows the nanobubble flux (i.e., the number of nanobubbles per second through a fixed point of output) to be substantially increased compared to prior art systems.

Although the embodiments of Figures 4a-c and 5a-b show three nanobubble bubble generators connected in accordance with the present invention, it should be noted that this is merely an example.

A third embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in Figure 6. The nano bubble generating system shown includes a fluid input 21 and a fluid output 22, wherein nine nano bubble generating modules 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 are disposed at the fluid input 21 Between the fluid output 22. Each nano bubble generator has a separate input and output.

In this embodiment, the nanobubble generators are cooperatively connected in tandem with a side-by-side set. This means that the fluid input 21 is split and fed into the input of each of the three nanobubble generator subsystems, similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 4a, each comprising three nanobubbles of tandem connection Generator. In addition, the output of each of the three nanobubble generator subsystems is combined and fed to the fluid output 22.

As in the first embodiment, each nano bubble generator sub system The three nano bubble generators may each comprise a different type of nano bubble generator, for example, in the top nano bubble generator sub-system, the nano bubble generator 23 may be a venturi type nano bubble generator The nano bubble generator 24 may be a vortex type nano bubble generator, and the nano bubble generator 25 may be a mixer type nano bubble generator. Alternatively, at least two or possibly all of the three nanobubble bubble generators of the nanobubble generator subsystems 24, 24, 25 may comprise the same type of nanobubble bubble generator, for example all in the Venturi type. The same applies to the intermediate nano bubble generator shown in Fig. 6 for the systems 26, 27, 28 and the bottom nano bubble generator sub-systems 29, 30, 31.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in Figures 7a and 7b, which shows a more detailed view of the more detailed view of Figure 7a. This embodiment shows another example of how a nanobubble generator can be cooperatively linked in tandem with a side-by-side set. The nano bubble generating system shown includes a fluid input 32 and a fluid output 33, wherein four nanobubble generators 34, 35, 36, 37 are disposed between the fluid input 32 and the fluid output 33. Each nano bubble generator has a separate input and output.

In this embodiment, the nanobubble generators are cooperatively connected in tandem with a side-by-side set. The first two nano bubble generators 34 and 35 are connected in parallel. It can be seen that the fluid input 32 is split and fed into the respective inputs of the respective nano bubble generators 34,35. The outputs of the respective nano bubble generators 34, 35 are recombined. The next two nano bubble generators 36, 37 are connected in series. The output of the nano bubble generator 36 is fed into the input of the nano bubble generator 37.

Figure 7b shows that in this example, two side-by-side generators 34 and 35 Both are in the Venturi type within a common generator module (such as, for example, as described below with reference to Figure 8n), and the second generator 36 is of a static mixer type such as, for example, as described below with reference to Figure 8j, and third The generator 37 belongs to the Venturi type, for example, as described with reference to Figure 8q below.

The combination of a tandem and a side-by-side combination of nanobubble generators allows the nanobubble concentration and nanobubble flux to be adjusted to suit the intended application.

Figures 8a-v show various different types of micron nanobubble bubble generators, some having a single type of generator and some having a combination of different types of generators.

Figure 8a shows a scroll-type generator module having a spiral scroll assembly 101 approximately centrally located within the interior of a module. A thread 109 wound around the assembly 101 forces the flow of the liquid gas mixture to flow in a spiral vortex. The gas is introduced into a breathing tube 105 that is directed into the interior of the module and a water repellent film in the module wall to form a portion of the outer surface of the assembly that is pierced with fine pores 102 for releasing nanobubbles into the flow. .

Figure 8b shows a scroll generator module having a cylindrical scroll assembly without a gas feed system. The spiral ridge 601 formed on the inner surface of the inner chamber of the module includes a vortex flow parallel thereto.

Figure 8c shows a scroll generator module having a cylindrical scroll assembly having a gas feed system. The spiral ridge 601 formed on the inner surface of the inner chamber of the module includes a vortex flow parallel thereto. A water-repellent film 602 having a fine pore and a gasket in the chamber constitutes a gas feeding system. The vortex flow system minimizes the pressure field above the membrane, so Maximize gas feed. Gas can also be introduced through the wall of the module through the breathing tube 603.

Figure 8b shows a scroll generator module having a Coanda spherical scroll assembly 702 in the interior chamber of a module without a gas feed system. The Coanda blade 704 on the component has a suitable radius of curvature for causing a Coanda effect in the flow above its surface. The resulting vortex creates a high incidence of cavities for the production of further microbubbles and nanobubbles.

Figure 8e shows a scroll generator module having a Coanda spherical scroll assembly 702 in an internal chamber of a module having a gas feed system. Coanda blade 704 has a suitable radius of curvature for causing a Coanda effect in the flow above its surface. The resulting vortex creates a high incidence of cavities for the production of further microbubbles and nanobubbles. A water-repellent film 707 having fine pores is placed on the assembly 702 to form a gas feed system. The vortex flow caused by the Coanda effect minimizes the pressure field above the membrane, thus maximizing gas feed. Gas can also be introduced through a breathing tube 703 that passes through the module wall.

Figures 8f and 8g show schematic cross-sectional and plan views, respectively, of a scroll or "whirlwind" generator having a spherical scroll input assembly. The flow is injected tangentially into the cylindrical interior chamber 201, thus causing it to move in a spiral vortex. Here, the gas inlet and the fluid output are omitted for clarity. Preferably, the fluid outlet is shaped to provide a static mixing surface, for example by providing a toothed peripheral edge to the inner wall of the outlet tube.

Figure 8h shows a scroll generator module having an elliptical shape Vortex chamber 401. The ellipsoidal cross-section of the chamber forces the flow to move with a helical vortex having a narrowed diameter. This flow pattern has a minimum pressure on the surface of the chamber, causing the bubble to expand. The radius of curvature of the outflow port initiates the Coanda effect in the flow above it and thus initiates a high incidence of cavities for the production of further microbubbles and nanobubbles in the expelled fluid.

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the elliptical scroll chamber of Figure 8h normal to the axis connecting the outflow ports. It highlights how the flow input is tangential to the swirl chamber 401.

Figure 8j shows a static mixer type generator module. In this example, nine of the plurality of radially inwardly projecting mixing pins 501 project into the interior chamber of the module to create a turbulent flow that splits the micron bubbles into nanobubbles. The gas system is fed via a breathing tube 503 located within the mixing pin 501 and delivered to the water repellent, porous spherical head 502 of the pin, which delivers the gas as a bubble in the surrounding fluid.

Figure 8k shows three axial cross-sectional views through a mixing chamber of planes x, y and z shown in Figure 8j. The mixing pins 501 are distributed along the chamber at regular angular intervals of 120°. Each successive pin triple is rotated by an angle of 60° relative to the former.

Figure 81 shows a static mixer type generator module similar to that shown in Figures 8j-k, wherein the mixing pin 501 does not have a breathing tube.

Figure 8m shows a Venturi-type generator module without a gas feed system. The internal chamber of the module is formed with a variable hard tube diameter along its flow axis. The narrowing of the hard tube diameter in one of the pressure dissolution zones 300 forces the gas to dissolve into the liquid. The flow accelerates in the narrowest section 301, which allows for dissolution The gas molecules coalesce and form microbubbles due to the corresponding pressure drop.

Figure 8n shows a Venturi-type generator module having a gas feed system. The internal chamber of the module is formed with a variable hard tube diameter along its flow axis. The narrowing of the hard tube diameter in one of the pressure dissolution zones 300 forces the gas to dissolve into the liquid. The flow accelerates within the narrowest section 301, which allows the dissolved gas molecules to coalesce and form microbubbles due to the corresponding pressure drop. The additional gas is fed through a breathing tube 303 through the chamber wall to a water repellent film 302 that is provided with fine pores, forming a portion of the inner wall of the chamber at its narrowest diameter for gas to be used in the nanometer The stream into which the bubbles are fed.

Figure 8o shows a generator module having both a venturi assembly and a Coanda flow divider assembly 304 in the internal chamber of a tandem module without any gas feed system. The internal chamber of the module is formed with a variable hard tube diameter along its flow axis, and the Venturi assembly operates as shown in Figure 8m. The Coanda flow splitter assembly 304 has a suitable radius of curvature for inducing a Coanda effect in the flow above it, and thus inducing a high incidence of cavities for the creation of further microbubbles and nai in the displaced fluid Rice bubbles.

Figure 8p shows a generator module having both a tandem one-piece assembly and a Coanda flow divider assembly 304, with a gas feed system having a breathing tube 303 leading to the exterior of the module. The Venturi component works like Figure 8m. The Coanda flow splitter assembly 304 has a suitable radius of curvature for inducing a Coanda effect in the flow above it, and thus inducing a high incidence of cavities for the creation of further microbubbles and nai in the displaced fluid Rice bubbles. Moreover, the Coanda effect partially covers one of the dividers 304 The pressure field above the water repellent film 302 with fine pores is minimized, thereby maximizing the flux of nanobubbles released therefrom.

Figure 8q shows a Venturi-type generator module having a gas feed system. The pressure dissolution effect is as described in Figure 8m. However, an additional feature of this embodiment is the curvature on the venturi body 309 (i.e., the shaped inner wall of the module, which is suitably adapted to initiate the Coanda effect in the flow above it). This minimizes the pressure field above the water repellent film 302 that covers one of the lower portions of the body 309 through the fine pores, thereby maximizing the flux of the nanobubbles released therefrom.

Figure 8r shows a cavity type generator module. The flowing micron bubbles enter the internal chamber of the module, which is here an empty space 901 and cavitation due to the pressure rise. This generated shock wave creates an oscillating shear force in the surrounding fluid that forms further microbubbles. This cavity can be mechanically eroded to damage the solid portion of the assembly, so that a cavity tube with nothing to allow this procedure to occur with minimal damage to any protruding components.

Figure 8s shows a cavity type generator module having a push-out outlet wherein the internal diameter of the internal chamber of the module is reduced in the flow direction. The push-out outlet increases the pressure in the cavity, so the microbubbles and nanobubbles need to be made smaller.

Figure 8t shows a cavity type generator module having an outflow port that is oriented perpendicular to the main axis of the chamber. The microbubbles in the fluid collide with a wall 902 at the end of the chamber 901 opposite the inlet, causing it to cavitation and creating further microbubbles.

Figure 8u shows a generator module having a Venturi assembly juxtaposed with a recirculating mixer assembly having a gas feed on the latter mechanism. The Venturi mechanism and the hybrid mechanism are summarized similarly to those described in Figures 8m and 8j, respectively, whose Chinese components contain baffles placed in the flow, such that the inflow enters the central zone with reduced diameter, or the baffle and module walls Between (mixing partition 804), a pin of the mixer assembly is provided. Since the baffle encounters the module wall at its lower end, the mixing zone is closed and the fluid in the mixing zone 804 is forced to recirculate back toward the inflow port, thus increasing the retention time of the microbubbles within the mixing zone, allowing for more It becomes a nano bubble before being discharged through the outlet.

Figure 8v shows a generator module with a side-by-side configuration of a Venturi and mixer assembly with a gas feed on the mixing pin. The pressure dissolution occurred in the same manner as described in Figure 8m. The microbubbles formed in the narrowest section 301 are rapidly cracked into nanobubbles by the mixing pins therein. Still, the nanobubbles are released by the gas feed system 303 as shown in Fig. 8j.

It will be noted that all of the above generator modules can be screwed (as shown, each module has a thread at each end), or indeed by other hard pipe connection techniques that can be disconnected and reconnected as needed. And they are simply connected together.

Another embodiment of the invention is schematically illustrated in Figure 9, which shows how gas feed can occur at any stage within the system in any of the above systems. If a pump 40 is used after the fluid input 38, the gas feed can occur as indicated at 42 before the pump, or as indicated at 43 after the pump. Gas feed can also occur after the microbubbles and/or nanobubble bubble generator 41, such as 44 Shown before the fluid outlet 39. Gas may be input in one or more of the marked locations 42, 43, 44, and there are no upper limits on how many locations are available for input gas.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. Here, the micron nanobubble bubble generator system is equipped with a mechanical rotator having opposed nozzles 61 and 62 for driving a valve member, the flow of water passing through the rotator generating a clockwise rotation of the valve member. The valve member is disposed adjacent to a surface on which the fluid inlet valve holes 63 and 64 are formed. Rotation of the valve member will open and close fluid inlet valve bores 63 and 64 to create a pulsating micron nanobubble fluid suitable for a particular application.

A pulsating micron nanobubble fluid can also be created using a solenoid valve to open and close the fluid supply. This is shown in Figure 11. If the micron nano bubble generator systems 73, 74, and 75 are designed to produce microbubbles, and 76, 77, 78 are used for nanobubbles, time-separated microbubbles and nanobubbles can be produced. Figure 12 shows a graph of the number of micro/nano bubbles vs. time in which a number of nanobubbles are produced in a first time zone Z1 and a number of micro-bubbles are produced in a second time zone Z2.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in Figure 13. The flow system in the nanobubble generating system is configured to flow upward from the fluid input 81, through the cylindrical vortex flow module 83, the static mixer module 84, and the Venturi plus Coanda valve module 85. The fluid having micron nanobubbles then enters the cavity chamber module 86, followed by a horizontal nanobubble generator system having a spherical vortex flow module 87 and a Venturi nanobubble generator module 88. . The gas feed occurs as indicated at 89.

Figure 14 shows a system for configuration as such. Any of the above component modules can be connected in series in a vertical direction. In this example, the assembly is enclosed within a larger holding reservoir/reservoir such that any micron bubbles will have a longer initiation time to evolve into nanobubbles. Another horizontal nanobubble generator system with additional vortexing and Venturi plus Coanda valve modules will further increase the nanobubble density. Figure 15 shows a typical nanobubble density and size distribution for a system. Nano bubble size is very uniform from 50 to 300 nm, and the density is 2.5x10 ⁸ /ml using the Nanosight NS500 system.

Another embodiment of the invention is where the micron nanobubble bubble generator system is partially or completely immersed in the fluid. The power of the system can be electricity, compressed air, tap water, gravity, wind, hydraulics or any other source of energy. In a preferred embodiment, it is designed to be powered by compressed air that rotates a rotor blade to rotate a propeller blade separate from the gas compartment to pump water into the equipment. The compressed air escapes through a passage to a water repellent film where it is subsequently introduced into the liquid in the form of micro/nano bubbles. In this example, sufficient pressure is generated for generating nanobubbles by compressed air, but the invention can generally be powered by any sufficient source of pressure, which can be gravity or a specific pump, or even domestic water pressure.

It should be noted that:

- Gas input availability is connected before or after the pump. Advantageously, the gas can be introduced both before and after the pump. The gas input can include single or multiple pores of micron or nanometer size. An additional gas input can be set proximate to the fluid output to increase the total gas input.

- Gas input system having micron or nano series pores optionally comprises at least one water repellent material or water repellent coating. An example of a suitable water repellent material is a fluorofluorene oxide film.

- The gas input can be selectively placed close to the surface of the fluid, with a strong Coanda effect, so that the dense bubbles do not have time to grow before being swept away.

- Microbubbles and nanobubbles can be simultaneously produced via a one-micron bubble generation system and a side-by-side configuration of a nano bubble generation system. Microbubbles and nanobubbles can exit from two different outlets at the same time. It is also possible to use a one-time meter valve to generate microbubbles and nanobubbles at a timing. Microbubbles and nanobubbles can appear in the fluid in different time zones.

- The dense bubble can be generated in a pulsating manner using a mechanical or electronic fluid pulsation controller to manipulate the input fluid or fluid output of the dense bubble generator system.

- Conveniently, the separate generator modules can be mated together in a repeatable and reversible manner, for example by simple screwing.

- The liquid system supplied to form bubbles may be water, IPA, fuel, or other liquid.

- The gas system supplied to form a bubble may be ozone, oxygen, hydrogen, air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other gases.

Operating pressure: having a minimum of about 0.08 MPa, having a preferred range of from about 0.2 MPa to about 0.5 MPa.

This aspect of the invention thus provides an additive manufacturing process in which the components/modules can be added to the micron and nanobubble bubble generation system in parallel or in series or a combination thereof to manipulate the total amount of liquid containing dense bubbles. gas Bubble density, bubble size distribution and total flux.

Produces dense bubble water through a low pressure water inlet

In a particular embodiment, a dense bubble water can be produced using a generation technique where only a low pressure water can be obtained.

Today, dense bubble generation systems require an additional pump for efficient system operation. According to the present invention, there is provided a specific composite route incorporating a cavity, a Venturi effect vortex method and a mixer method which enhances the density of dense bubble generation and which allows for a lower inlet water pressure than previously possible Produces high concentration of dense bubbles.

16a-c schematically shows an example of a design having successive Venturi, vortex flow, static mixers and cavity chambers built into the water flow system, and for convenience, the bubble flow direction system Indicated by an arrow such as 167, wherein Fig. 16a schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the device, Fig. 16b schematically shows the cavity chamber from a top view, and Fig. 16c schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the cavity chamber. The gas and liquid are mixed in a venturi 160 which includes a gas inlet 164 which is then passed through a vortex mixing head 161 and static mixer 162 to create a dense bubble. The subsequent cavity overflow chamber 163, including the overflow aperture 165 on the top outer edge 166, allows the dense bubbles to be converted into "super-dense" bubbles which are subsequently released from the overflow holes. The ultra-dense bubbles are then released through the trap holes 168 in the bottom of the outer chamber 169. The inlet faucet water pressure can be as low as 0.08 MPa, no additional gas needs to be introduced, and a ring chamber air inlet is sufficient. The density of dense bubbles can be up to 100,000,000 per cubic centimeter.

Specific application

According to the present invention, different applications such as air bubbles are conceivable, and portions thereof are detailed. These applications include: - methods/procedures for improving ship lubrication; - methods for dense bubbles for descaling; - methods for using dense bubbles for semiconductor cleaning; - methods for sanitary hand cleaning/drying /procedure;-method/procedure for reducing algae; -method/equipment for calibrating dense bubbles; and -method/procedure for generating dense bubble water.

Cleaning application

The dense bubble water system is used to clean or clean a variety of different objects, including body skin, descaling/cleaning tubing, and cleaning semiconductor wafers.

a method of using dense bubbles for cleaning

The current bathing method is to apply soap/detergent to the body surface and wipe it to kill the microorganisms, clean the pores and peel off the dead skin. However, the chemical systems used herein are relatively expensive and may cause skin irritation in certain cases.

One way to overcome this problem is by applying dense bubbles to the surface of the skin. Due to the sonoluminescence properties of the dense bubbles and the subsequent generation of natural oxidatives of this natural procedure, cleaning may occur without the use of chemicals and with minimal mechanical wiping.

Hand washer/dryer

This configuration relates to the use of one of the dense bubbles and/or the hand washer and/or the combined hand washer-dryer.

Today, Dyson is the leader in air dryers and sanitary treatment equipment for the hand. It has recently introduced the Airblade Tap, a combined faucet and hand dryer. Other combined devices are also well known.

In accordance with the present invention, it is proposed to use dense bubble water to improve hand cleaning. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the dense bubble water source can be combined with a dryer, such as in a nanobubble hand hygiene processor that is coupled, for example, to a Dyson air knife faucet type device. Part.

The uniform bubble DC motor can be integrated into the connection to the mains water supply, and the hand can then be sterilized using dense bubble water prior to drying with a "bacteria free" hand dryer or other similar product.

Figures 17a-d schematically show an embodiment in which Figure 17a is a schematic cross-sectional view, Figure 17b is a schematic cross-sectional view through a fluid outlet rod, Figure 17c is a schematic side view and Figure 17d is a perspective view. As best seen in Figure 17d, the washer-dryer 90 is formed as a generally "T" shaped cleaning faucet having a vertical upright 91 and a horizontally extending fluid horizontally separated by a beam 93 from the rod 91. Exit rod 92. The rod 91 contains a DC motor 94 that is powered by a power supply 95. The DC motor 94 is controlled by a timepiece and microswitch control having a magnetic or other type of engagement means (which is essentially a known means) and is operable to rotatably drive the respective chambers at the top of the pole One of the air transport device impeller 96 and the one water dynamic mix pump head 97 together form an air-water mixing pump head that receives air and water through a row of conduits 98 through the rod. This configuration provides efficient gas-water mixing. Rod 92 accommodates a dense bubble generating device - a built-in vortex Head, static mixer, solid tube of venturi. More specifically, it houses a pressurized air chamber 99 and a uniform bubble chamber 102, and has a limited area of fine water and air outlet vanes 103 on the base of the rod 92. Figure 17b shows that the outlet is trapped to form fine blades to allow dense bubble water to escape. The air chamber 99 is also a solid tubular member having a trapped blade edge as an air outlet.

A motion sensor 101 is disposed on the rod 92 to detect hand movement toward and away from the device and to transmit an activation/deactivation signal to the motor. The resulting dense bubbles can then be released through the blades.

The timepiece is operable to switch operation from water supply to after a predetermined cleaning time by first engaging (water) the pump head and then switching the pump head to an air blade for generating high flow and high pressure water through the blade An air supply. This air is used to dry the user's hand.

Optionally, at least one ultraviolet LED 100 can be installed inside the dense bubble generating device to sterilize the dispensed water, and titanium oxide can be added upstream via a dispenser to provide an additional disinfecting effect on air and water. This configuration will also allow the user to see dust more easily. The dense bubbles that appear in the water are used to scatter the incident light, thus improving the illumination. The dense bubble water also has a bleaching effect which helps to clean the water to prevent the accumulation of scale or ash. This also reduces the cost of the clean water supply pipe.

Dense bubbles may be generated in a pulsating mode via a solenoid valve, pressure sensor and pressure valve construction, simple timepiece on-off valve, or mechanical oscillating device (described further below with reference to the shower head application). Pulse-induced high and low pressure rushes through the pulsating mode through the bubble on the treated surface Hit to achieve extra cleansing power. This effect maximizes the rate of removal of the contaminated surface by a pressurized attack on the surface, which then acts like a vacuum suction to remove contaminants. This is similar to the impact of tidal waves on the shoreline.

For additional cleaning efficiency, the dense bubbles may contain not only 50% of the microbubbles (i.e., from 1 to 50 microns in diameter) but a smaller percentage of nanobubbles.

It can be seen that no other water outlets are needed. Water can be released in a continuous or pulsating mode. The dense bubble has a disinfecting effect and also generates an enhanced clean ultrasonic wave when it collapses.

A shower head dense bubble generator for high density dense bubbles

As can be seen, the current problems with both systems for generating dense bubbles include: i) the concentration of micron and nano bubble counts is typically low for a single cycle bubble generation system; ii) any single micron and Nano bubble generation methods also produce very low volume liquid streams with low bubble counts; and iii) high concentration micron nanobubbles with low pressure water inlets are not produced.

For example, US20070108640A1 integrated micron bubble generation and hair cleaning equipment, and US20080189847A1 for micron nano bubble bath water generator systems have very complicated systems. It provides little improvement in the concentration of micron and nanobubbles, and the size distribution is still broad.

18 and 19 respectively show schematic cross-sectional and end views of a showerhead in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

As can be seen from these figures, the shower head comprises two dense bubble generators positioned in tandem, namely a vortex type 110 and a Venturi type 111 in the direction of water flow. An air inlet is provided at the Venturi generator and an additional air inlet may be placed upstream. Located downstream of the Venturi generator at the "rose" 112 of the shower head, element 113 is arranged to protrude into the water stream from the interior side of the shower. These raised elements are used to break any vortices generated by the generating process and to mix the streams.

Figure 19 shows a possible water outlet configuration for one of the spray booths 112 with a plurality of individual outlets 114. The triangle system is shown to exhibit a vortex flow output with a net zero from one of the showers, each triangle providing a zero net vortex output.

This type of shower head is quite simple and can be easily fitted to replace a shower head as needed.

Figure 20 shows a more complex showerhead capable of providing a pulsating flow of water. More particularly, Figure 20a schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the showerhead in a substantially horizontal plane in normal use, while Figures 20b and 20c schematically show cross-sectional views of the showerhead in an orthogonal plane, offset 90. Degree of rotation.

Here, the path of the water stream is bifurcated so that a single water inlet is led along one path to the two outlets. A Venturi-type first dense bubble generator 115 is disposed in the non-forked portion of the water passage 116, which is disposed orthogonally to the plane of the shower head 117 and is located within an outer casing 118. The Venturi type generator is provided with an air inlet opening 119. At the lower end of this portion, the passage branches into two diametrically opposed rigid tubes 120 which are horizontal to the plane of the showerhead 117 Ground configuration. A Coanda valve 121 is disposed in the passage 116 at the bifurcation point. The distal ends of the rigid tubes 120 are bent at right angles, and a tandem scroll type 122 + Wen's 123 dense bubble generator 124 is disposed to form a composite modular production system. The water from which the generator leaves is thus at least initially tangentially moved from the circumference of the lance. The bend is guided so that the water leaves the hard tubes in the same direction of rotation. The access system carries a mandrel 127 that rotatably carries a pulsating switch plate 126 that is substantially parallel to the showerhead plane. The tangential action of the water leaving the tube is used to rotate the pulsating switch plate. Both the switch plate and the spray can are provided with a plurality of holes 125 that exhibit approximately the same radius. As the switch plate rotates, the individual holes are periodically moved into and out of alignment. Water can exit the shower head only when the holes are aligned at a predetermined angle of rotation. Therefore, the water flow is periodically pulsating. This configuration is operable to deliver water containing dense bubbles of diameters of the order of tens of nanometers to tens of micrometers at a concentration of about 109/ml in a pulsating stream.

An alternative embodiment (not shown) may employ a solenoid valve to pulsate the dense bubble water flow. Another embodiment (not shown) may use an electrically stylized accumulator to pulsate the dense bubble water flow.

Semiconductor wafer cleaning

A pulsating method similar to dense bubble transport can be used for cleaning the semiconductor. The device is similar to the hand washer and dryer of Figure 17, except that an array of individual devices can be used for wafer cleaning, including relatively configured devices to clean both sides of a wafer being loaded therebetween, and dense. The bubble fluid is ejected at an angle that is more horizontal than the hand washer. A pulsating dense bubble multiple blade arrangement (not shown) is used for semi-conductivity The most suitable device for body wafer cleaning. In order to have a high ultrasonic wave generated from dense bubbles, a higher concentration of microbubbles is required in the dense bubble liquid. The dense bubbles are controlled to consist of a higher concentration of microbubbles and a lower concentration of nanobubbles.

Calibrated micron nano bubble application

This configuration is directed to a method of directing a uniform bubble to a target destination within a liquid volume, and a calibration device for directing a uniform bubble within a volume of liquid. Calibration techniques can be used for different applications, including drug delivery, surface cleaning, and the like.

Use of bubbles

The current general methods for treating bacteria for killing bacteria or for calibrating infected areas treat the healthy and diseased areas indiscriminately. One way to overcome this problem is by delivering a drug, radiation, disinfectant or other agent to a particular calibrated site.

The MRSA or ECOLI, for example located in a particular area, can be efficiently processed by delivering dense bubbles to the affected area. This is the superoxide root generated by a drug that is surrounded by a dense bubble explosion or by transporting a dense bubble. This possibility is considered in more detail below.

In addition, dense bubbles can have a long-term effect on the environment, affecting water treatment, cleaning, the semiconductor industry, and the like.

In particular, contaminant formation in areas of very hard water may cause blockage of hard tubes and other water contacting surfaces. Water rich in dense bubbles can be washed through the hard tube, and eventually the collapse of the nanobubble produces an ultrasonic wave that breaks the surface contaminants.

However, although dense bubbles have shown great potential in industry and medicine, there is still a problem in that it is difficult to guide the dense bubbles to the desired area with any degree of control.

One of the objects of the present invention is to overcome this problem. This is achieved by recognizing that the surface of the uniform bubble is electrostatically charged and uses this charge to guide the dense bubble.

By way of illustration, the charge of the dense bubbles is typically negative, with a charge density of greater than 100,000 ions for dense bubbles from the 100 to 500 nm size range produced by the above system. The method of the present invention utilizes a Coulomb's law and can direct dense bubbles to the target area using a positively biased electrode.

In the above-mentioned example of drug delivery, the drug or agent may be surrounded and confined by dense bubbles due to electrostatic charge, and the drug having its surrounding dense bubbles may utilize a positive electrode to separate individual dense bubbles. The same way is directed to the target area.

An embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in Figure 21. Here, a container that at least partially retains a liquid volume for guiding a flow of water, in this example a rigid tube 131 (eg, a metal tube), is treated with water containing nanobubbles to For example, contaminant deposits are removed from a target destination, i.e., the inner wall surface 132 of the hard tube. A nano bubble conveying device 133 is disposed upstream of the water flow. The delivery device 133 includes a passageway, in this example a metal tube or needle, that is fluidly coupled to one of the separate nanobubble bubble generators 134 by a rigid or flexible tubular member or tube. a direct current (dc) power supply 135, such as a battery, battery cell or other dc device It is electrically connected to the rigid tube 131 (preferably electrically connected to the inner surface 132 of the hard tube) and the conveying device 133 to maintain a potential difference therebetween, wherein the hard tube 131 is maintained at a positive potential, and the conveying device 133 is Maintain a negative potential. In use, the nanobubbles are water produced by the generator 134 and transported to the rigid tube via the delivery device 133. The negative static charge of the delivery device helps to drive similar negatively charged nanobubbles from the device. The driven nanobubbles are electrostatically attracted toward the hard tube wall surface 132 and the surface can be treated thereby.

In the case of a hydraulic tube, especially in areas with very hard water, contact with the scale/sediment formation system causes the tube to become clogged. By the positively biased surface of the hard tube, the nanobubble water is washed through the hard tube, and the nanobubbles collapse, thus producing an ultrasonic wave capable of cracking the surface scale/sediment.

Alternatively, a magnet can also be used as a method of handling dense bubbles.

Although a rigid tube is shown in Figure 21, any container can be handled in this manner, such as an industrial metal container in which the container is positively biased.

However, in Fig. 21, the container to be treated itself as a positive electrode may additionally have a dedicated calibration device for guiding the dense bubbles as needed.

Figure 22 is a schematic illustration of a calibration apparatus for directing nanobubbles within a liquid volume in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The device includes a dc power supply 139 that is electrically coupled to the relatively movable electrode probes 140 and 141, for example, by flexible insulated wires. More specifically, the supply 139 provides a positive bias to an electrode 136 of the positive electrode probe 140, A negative bias is provided to the electrode 138 of the negative electrode probe 141 which forms a nanobubble transport fluid path. The positive electrode 136 is partially covered with an insulating sheath 137, and only a distal end of the electrode 136 is exposed to ambient fluid during use. Since only the exposed end of the electrode 136 will serve as a target destination, this provides a more precise guidance of the nanobubbles. The negative electrode probe 141 is fluidly coupled to the output of a nano bubble generator 134 by a rigid or flexible tubular member or tube. The negative electrode 138 is formed as a needle or tube through which a liquid containing nanobubbles can be flowed for delivery to the liquid volume. With this embodiment, the positioning of the probe has a large elasticity. If desired, a locking member (not shown) can be provided to hold the probe in the desired location within the liquid volume, or to assume a fixed positional relationship. In use, the power supply 139 can be conveniently located outside of the liquid volume and the probe is immersed therein.

Figure 23 is a schematic illustration of a calibration device in accordance with another embodiment. This device is similar to that of Fig. 22, but here, the positive electrode probe 142 and the negative electrode probe 143 are formed together as a single probe unit, which is permanently fixed in its relative position, wherein the positive electrode 136 is It is held outside the negative electrode 138 of the transport path. The probe unit is again movable relative to the power supply 139, for example by being connected thereto by a flexible insulated wire. This embodiment is capable of a simplified structure compared to the prior, in which there is only one single probe unit that can be placed within the liquid volume as desired. Here, a locking member (not shown) may again be provided to hold the probe unit in the desired location within the liquid volume.

Figure 24 schematically shows a calibration device in accordance with another embodiment. This device is similar to that of Figure 23, but here the positive electrode 146 extends through the interior of the transport path negative electrode 145. The distal end of the electrode 146 extends through the negative electrode 145, It is not covered by an insulating sheath 147 that surrounds the remainder of the electrode 146 within the negative electrode 145. In this embodiment, power supply 144 is housed within probe unit 148, which is also fluidly coupled to the output of a nano bubble generator 134 by a rigid or flexible tubular or tubular member. This embodiment provides a compact and highly focused calibration device.

Other possibilities and alternatives within the scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the dc power supply can be located in a single unit with positive or negative electrode probes, or within a combined probe unit, or separately.

Drug delivery / direct treatment

As described above, a positive potential probe can be inserted into the calibrated portion to induce a dense bubble to treat the particular region. This is a superoxide radical produced by a dense bubble explosion, or a designed drug surrounded by dense bubbles through its surface charge. The drug or agent can be surrounded by dense bubbles and guided in the same manner as dense bubbles.

A densely biased electrode can be used to direct dense bubbles and drugs that are confined by the dense bubbles to the calibrated area.

In this manner, MRSA or ECOLI in, for example, a particular region can be effectively processed by inserting a positive electrode into the calibrated site.

As provided above (eg, Figures 22 through 24), the processing tool can be designed as two electrodes, one having a positive bias and one having a negative bias, and the positively biased electrode being a solid electrode However, the negatively biased electrode is a needle or small tube in which the dense bubbles are transported. With this device, due to the positively biased electrode attached to the treated area, tight gas The drug carried by the bubble or dense bubble can be directed to the calibrated area.

Charge-neutralization methods such as thermal shocks caused by ultrasonic waves, IR lasers, and electrolyte injection or current injection into dense bubble liquids can be utilized to achieve controlled collapse of drug delivery and/or bubbles.

A dense bubble having a negative charge on its surface attaches itself to an organic compound or living organ, and can be directed toward the calibrated treatment site using an electrode having a positive charge or a simple dense tube. The controlled collapse of dense bubbles can have significant damage to the calibrated area: if the dense bubbles do not have surface-attached compounds, the simplicity of carrying inside the bubbles such as ozone, O ₂ , H ₂ or other reactive gases can be utilized. The gas generates a large amount of OH root for disinfection, and the extremely high heat generated by the collapse of the dense bubble can damage or kill pathogens or cancer cells in the treated area; dense bubbles with a specific compound attached to its surface In the example, the collapse of the dense bubble also releases the compound to the calibrated area for processing.

Method/equipment for improving ship lubrication

It is now recognized that the resistance of the water can be reduced by creating a relatively low friction interface between the ship and the water on which it is seated, and using the first-class bundle of water rich in dense bubbles to improve the performance of the ship.

Figure 25 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a system. The uniform bubble generating device 151 is seated in the hull of the vessel 150 so that dense bubbles can be injected into the water at the front of the vessel. The generating means may, for example, comprise a composite modular device as described above, or alternatively comprise a motor-driven dynamic hybrid dense bubble generating system, as is generally known in the art. The device can be built into the hull or attached separately. The dense bubble is during its transition A flow is produced under the ship.

The dense air bubbles also act as a self-cleaning mechanism for the ship to prevent additional debris from accumulating on the hull.

The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed above, and other possibilities will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

301‧‧‧ narrowest section

302‧‧‧Water repellent film

303‧‧‧ gas feeding system

501‧‧‧mixed pin

502‧‧‧Water-repellent porous spherical head

503‧‧‧ breathing tube

Claims (87)

A compact bubble generator system comprising: a fluid input; a fluid output; at least one gas input; a plurality of dense bubble generators; wherein the plurality of dense bubble generators are disposed at the fluid input and the fluid output between. The dense bubble generator system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of dense bubble generators comprise at least three of the following dense bubble generators: a scroll type, a static mixer type, a pressure dissolved type, a cavity type And the Venturi type. A compact bubble generator system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of dense bubble generators are connected in series. A compact bubble generator system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of dense bubble generators are connected in parallel. The dense bubble generator system of claim 1, wherein at least two of the plurality of dense bubble generators are connected in series, and at least two of the plurality of dense bubble generators are connected in parallel. The compact bubble generator system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the plurality of dense bubble generators is a Venturi-type dense bubble generator. A compact bubble generator system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein At least one of the plurality of dense bubble generators is a vortex-type dense bubble generator. The compact bubble generator system of any of claims 1-7, wherein at least one of the plurality of dense bubble generators is a cavity type dense bubble generator. The dense bubble generator system of any of claims 1-8, wherein at least one of the plurality of dense bubble generators is a pressurized dissolved dense bubble generator. The compact bubble generator system of any one of claims 1-9, wherein at least one of the plurality of dense bubble generators is a static mixer type dense bubble generator. The compact bubble generator system of claim 10, wherein the static mixer-type dense bubble generator comprises at least one of: a spherical vortex mixer, a cylindrical vortex mixer, and a static mixer. The compact bubble generator system of any of claims 1-11, wherein a pumping system is coupled between the fluid input and the plurality of dense bubble generators. A compact bubble generator system according to claim 12, wherein a gas input is placed before the pump. A compact bubble generator system as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein a gas input is placed after the pump. The compact bubble generator system of any of claims 1-14, wherein the at least one gas input system comprises micropores or nanopores. The compact bubble generator system of any of claims 1-15, wherein the fluid input flows upwards, downwards, in a horizontal manner, or a combination of all three. The compact bubble generator system of any of claims 1-16, wherein an additional gas input system is placed proximate to the fluid output for enhanced gas injection volume. The compact bubble generator system of any of claims 1-17, wherein the fluid output is controlled by a mechanical or electronic component and flows in a pulsating manner. The compact bubble generator system of any of claims 1-18, wherein the fluid output is controlled in a manner that produces microbubbles and nanobubbles in different time zones. The compact bubble generator system of any of claims 1-19, wherein the dense bubble generator system is immersed in a fluid. A method of producing a dense bubble in a fluid, comprising the steps of: providing a fluid input; providing at least one gas input; providing a fluid output; providing a plurality of dense bubble generators between the fluid input and the fluid output; And passing fluid through the plurality of dense bubble generators. A method of generating a dense bubble in a fluid according to claim 21, wherein the plurality of dense bubble generators comprise the following dense bubble generator At least three of them: vortex type, static mixer type, pressure-dissolved type, cavity type and Wen's type. A method of generating a dense bubble in a fluid as claimed in claim 21, wherein the plurality of dense bubble generators are connected in series. A method of generating a dense bubble in a fluid as claimed in claim 21, wherein the plurality of dense bubble generators are connected in parallel. A method of generating a dense bubble in a fluid according to claim 21, wherein at least two of the plurality of dense bubble generators are in series, and at least two of the plurality of dense bubble generators are Parallel connection. A method of producing a dense bubble in a fluid according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein at least one of the plurality of dense bubble generators is a Venturi-type dense bubble generator. A method of producing a dense bubble in a fluid according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein at least one of the plurality of dense bubble generators is a vortex-type dense bubble generator. A method of producing a dense bubble in a fluid according to any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein at least one of the plurality of dense bubble generators is a cavity type dense bubble generator. A method of producing a dense bubble in a fluid according to any one of claims 21 to 28, wherein at least one of the plurality of dense bubble generators is a pressurized dissolved dense bubble generator. A method of producing a dense bubble in a fluid according to any one of claims 21 to 29, wherein at least one of the plurality of dense bubble generators It is a static mixer type dense bubble generator. A method of generating a dense bubble in a fluid as claimed in claim 30, wherein the static mixer-type dense bubble generator comprises at least one of: a spherical vortex mixer, a cylindrical vortex mixer , and a static mixer. A method of producing a dense bubble in a fluid according to any one of claims 21 to 31, wherein a pump system is coupled between the fluid input and the plurality of dense bubble generators. A method of creating a dense bubble in a fluid, as in claim 32, wherein a gas input is placed in front of the pump. A method of creating a dense bubble in a fluid, as in claim 32 or 33, wherein a gas input is placed after the pump. A method of producing a dense bubble in a fluid according to any one of claims 21 to 34, wherein at least one of the gas input systems comprises micropores or nanopores. A method of producing a dense bubble in a fluid according to any one of claims 21 to 35, wherein the fluid input flows upward, downward, in a horizontal manner, or a combination of all three. A method of producing a dense bubble in a fluid according to any one of claims 21 to 36, wherein an additional gas input system is placed in proximity to the fluid output for enhanced gas injection volume. A method of producing a dense bubble in a fluid according to any one of claims 21 to 37, wherein the fluid output is controlled by mechanical or electronic components and flows in a pulsating manner. A method of producing a dense bubble in a fluid according to any one of claims 21 to 38, wherein the fluid output is controlled in such a manner as to generate microbubbles and nanobubbles in different time zones. A method of producing a dense bubble in a fluid according to any one of claims 21 to 39, wherein the dense bubble generator system is immersed in a fluid. A compact bubble generator system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, comprising a Venturi and a cavity type dense bubble generator in a tandem connection. A compact bubble generator system according to claim 41, wherein the venturi and cavity type generators comprise water overflow holes. A compact bubble generator system according to claim 41 or 42, comprising a successive Venturi, vortex flow, static mixer and cavity type generator. A compact bubble generator system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 3a through 14 or 16. A cleaning apparatus comprising: a cleaning faucet for dispensing water, and a uniform bubble generator for generating a dense bubble in a water stream, the water stream being fed to the cleaning faucet in use. The cleaning device of claim 45, wherein the dense bubble generator is located within the cleaning faucet. A cleaning device according to claim 45 or 46, comprising an ultraviolet LED for disinfecting the dispensed water. A cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 45 to 47, further comprising a titanium oxide dispenser for releasing titanium oxide into the water stream. A cleaning device according to any one of claims 45 to 48 for washing hands. A cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 45 to 48 for cleaning a semiconductor. A shower head that includes a uniform bubble generator. A showerhead according to claim 51, wherein the compact bubble generator comprises a scroll generator. A shower head according to claim 51 or 52, comprising an additional dense bubble generator in tandem with the first generator. A showerhead according to claim 53 wherein the additional dense bubble generator comprises a Venturi generator. A showerhead according to any one of claims 51 to 54, which comprises a vortex breaking member for destroying a vortex in the flow of water leaving the generator. A shower head according to claim 55, wherein the vortex breaking member comprises a projection on a surface of the shower head. A shower head according to any one of claims 51 to 54, which comprises a pulsating member for pulsing water leaving the shower head. A shower head according to claim 57, wherein the pulsating member comprises a plate rotatably mounted in the shower head. A showerhead according to claim 58, wherein the panel comprises an aperture configured to align with an aperture disposed in the showerhead at a predetermined angle of rotation. A shower head according to claim 58 or 59, comprising a bifurcated water passage configured to allow water exiting the passage to advance the plate during use turn. The showerhead of claim 60, comprising a dense bubble generator adjacent each outlet of the bifurcated water passage. A shower head according to claim 57, wherein the pulsating member comprises a solenoid valve. A shower head according to claim 57, wherein the pulsating member comprises an electronically programmed accumulator. A method of cleaning a semiconductor comprising using a pulsating dense bubble multiple blade configuration for dispensing dense bubble water in a pulsating manner. A method of directing a uniform bubble into a target destination within a liquid volume, comprising the steps of: applying a positive potential to the target destination to electrostatically attract the dense bubble toward the target destination . The method of claim 65, wherein the target destination comprises a wall of a container that at least partially retains the volume of the liquid. The method of claim 66, wherein the container comprises a rigid tube. The method of claim 65, comprising the initial step of providing a calibration device, the calibration device comprising a positive electrode probe that is in use as the target destination. The method of claim 68, wherein the calibration device comprises: a component for applying a positive electrostatic charge to an electrode of the positive electrode probe; and a delivery member for delivering a uniform dense bubble to the liquid volume. A calibration device for guiding uniform cells in a liquid volume, It comprises: a positive electrode probe having a positive electrode; a component for applying a positive electrostatic charge to the positive electrode; and a transporting member for delivering a uniform dense bubble to the liquid volume. The calibration device of claim 70, further comprising a negative electrode and means for applying a negative electrostatic charge to the negative electrode. The calibration device of claim 71, wherein the delivery member comprises the negative electrode. A calibration device according to any one of claims 70 to 72, wherein the delivery member comprises a fluid passageway that is fluidly coupled to an output of the uniform bubble trap in use. The calibration device of any one of claims 70 to 73, wherein the delivery member and the positive electrode probe are relatively movable. The calibration device of claim 74 includes a locking member for selectively securing the delivery member and the positive electrode probe in a fixed positional relationship. The calibration device of any one of claims 70 to 72, wherein the delivery member and the positive electrode probe are permanently fixed in their relative positions. The calibration device of claim 76, wherein the positive electrode extends through the interior of the delivery member. The calibration device of claim 76, wherein the positive electrode is held external to the delivery member. The calibration device of any one of claims 70 to 68, wherein the positive electrode probe comprises an insulating cover that partially covers the probe. A calibration device according to any one of claims 70 to 79 for use in a human or animal body. A drug delivery device comprising a calibration device as claimed in claim 80 and means for introducing a drug into the volume of the liquid. A method of directing a uniform bubble into a target destination within a liquid volume, comprising the steps of applying a magnetic potential to the target destination to attract the dense bubble toward the target destination. A method for improving the efficiency of a ship, comprising the steps of: providing a uniform bubble generating device, and arranging the device at a hull of a ship such that dense bubbles generated by the device are injected into the vicinity In the water of the ship. A vessel comprising a uniform dense bubble generating device arranged to inject a dense bubble into water adjacent to the vessel in use. A cleaning device substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 17a-d. A showerhead substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 18 and 19, or Figures 20a-c. A calibration device substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 21-24.